Estimating Energy Load for Electrified Terminal Equipment
Why accurate energy load estimation matters
When transitioning to electrified terminal equipment, getting your energy load estimates right is not just a technical detail—it’s a fundamental port planning requirement.
| Underestimating power needs | Overestimating power needs |
|---|---|
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Proper energy load estimation also provides the foundation for long-term financial planning. It helps you determine not just initial infrastructure costs, but ongoing operational expenses, maintenance requirements, and the timing of future capacity expansions as your terminal grows.
For many terminals, the path to decarbonisation involves gradually replacing diesel equipment with electric alternatives. Having accurate energy forecasts lets you plan this transition strategically, ensuring your power supply develops in step with your equipment needs.
How do you calculate equipment power needs?
Calculating energy requirements for your container terminal’s electrified equipment involves several interconnected factors:
- Equipment-specific consumption profiles – Your starting point should include understanding both peak power draw and average consumption rates for different machinery types (RTGs, yard tractors, straddle carriers)
- Operational patterns – These significantly impact energy needs, including:
- Typical duty cycles for each equipment type
- Peak operational periods throughout the day
- Seasonal variations in terminal activity
- Simultaneous operations that create cumulative power demands
- Total energy load calculation – Combine individual equipment consumption with your operational patterns
- Charging infrastructure – Consider how different charging approaches affect your energy profile
To calculate the total energy load, combine individual equipment consumption with your operational patterns. This involves mapping out the resulting power curve throughout the day based on your operational shifts and equipment utilization rates.
| Charging Approach | Energy Profile Impact | Operational Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-charging systems | Higher peak loads | May reduce number of vehicles needed |
| Slower charging | More evenly distributed energy demand | May require additional equipment to maintain operational coverage |
Common challenges in energy forecasting
Several recurring industry challenges exist in energy load estimation for container terminals:
- Variable operational patterns – Container terminals rarely follow perfectly predictable schedules. Vessel delays, seasonal peaks, and unexpected throughput variations can all create energy demand spikes.
- Integration with legacy systems – Partial electrification creates hybrid operational environments where energy demands fluctuate based on which equipment types are handling specific workloads.
- Environmental factors – Terminal equipment operating in cold environments require more energy for both operation and battery conditioning. Similarly, extreme heat can necessitate battery cooling systems that draw additional power.
- Future-proofing complexity – Your energy infrastructure must account for immediate requirements, expected growth in container volumes, potential equipment additions, and evolving technologies—all without excessive overbuilding.
Tools for precise load estimation
The good news is that sophisticated tools exist to help you accurately forecast energy requirements:
Dynamic simulation modelling stands out as the most comprehensive approach. Rather than relying on static calculations, simulation allows you to recreate your terminal’s operations in a virtual environment. This lets you track energy consumption patterns with realistic variations in workload throughout the day, week, and year.
These simulations can be incredibly detailed, accounting for:
- Container moves per hour during peak and off-peak periods
- Realistic vessel arrival patterns
- Equipment assignments and movement patterns
- Charging session timing and duration
- Battery depletion rates under various operational conditions
Tailored simulation models allow for testing different battery solutions and charging strategies without disrupting existing operations. This approach gives you confidence in your energy estimates before committing to major infrastructure investments.
Turning estimates into implementation plans
Once you have reliable energy load estimates, the next challenge is developing a phased implementation strategy for your container terminal electrification project.
- Map current infrastructure against projected needs – This gap analysis will reveal required upgrades to transformers, substations, and distribution systems.
- Develop an implementation timeline – Align with both operational needs and equipment replacement cycles.
- Plan charging infrastructure deployment – Consider physical space requirements, access routes, and potential future expansion.
- Coordinate with utility providers – They can offer valuable insights on grid capacity, potential limitations, and sometimes financial incentives.
- Integrate with broader decarbonisation strategy – Allow for adaptation as technologies evolve and terminal needs change.
A zone-by-zone approach can be effective, allowing for focused infrastructure development without disrupting overall operations.
By approaching energy load estimation methodically and using sophisticated modelling tools, you can create an electrification strategy that balances operational needs, infrastructure requirements, and financial constraints—setting your terminal up for long-term success in a low-carbon future. For comprehensive consultancy services to guide you through this process, professional expertise can make all the difference.
If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to our team of experts today.